![Works change a street light in the dark sky community of Prestegne, Wales.](https://darksky.org/app/uploads/2024/01/8-Lighting-Tests-1440x700.jpg)
![Silhouette of a man and tree against a brilliant, colorful Milky Way night sky.](https://darksky.org/app/uploads/2023/05/hero-What-we-do.jpg)
What we do
Founded as the International Dark-Sky Association in 1988, DarkSky is the globally recognized authority on light pollution issues and night sky conservancy.
![Photo of the Milky Way with the](https://darksky.org/app/uploads/2023/03/fi-dark-sky-places.jpg)
International Dark Sky Places
We certify and help conserve starry sky parks, communities, and other places around the world.
Through a rigorous certification process, we enable communities to protect ecologically sensitive areas, the public’s connection to nature, and our universal heritage.
DarkSky Approved Lighting
We work with communities, manufacturers, retailers, and other entities to evaluate and certify dark sky friendly outdoor lighting for commercial, industrial, and residential uses.
Find more sustainable lighting in our database.
![Picture of a fully-shielded light fixture, with the](https://darksky.org/app/uploads/2023/03/fi-darksky-approved-lighting.jpg)
![Picture of a man talking to other people about responsible outdoor lighting.](https://darksky.org/app/uploads/2023/03/fi-advocating-rolan.jpg)
Advancing responsible outdoor lighting
We work with communities and governments to prioritize night sky protection and quality outdoor lighting.
More programs
![Photo of children holding signs reading](https://darksky.org/app/uploads/2023/03/roundel-wwd-education-outreach.jpg)
Education and outreach
We provide dark sky news, collaborate on events, and create light pollution educational resources for all ages.
![Photo of a person looking through a large telescope at the night sky.](https://darksky.org/app/uploads/2023/03/roundel-wwd-research.jpg)
Research
We collect a growing body of scientific research that’s attempting to measure and understand the effects of light pollution.
![Picture of someone taking a photograph at night.](https://darksky.org/app/uploads/2023/03/roundel-wwd-photo-contest.jpg)
Capture the Dark photo contest
Photography plays a powerful role in the dark sky movement. Our annual contest celebrates the best from around the globe.
![Photo of a winner of a DarkSky Award.](https://darksky.org/app/uploads/2023/03/roundel-wwd-darksky-awards.jpg)
DarkSky Awards
We provide dark sky news, collaborate on events, and create light pollution educational resources for all ages.
![Logo of the](https://darksky.org/app/uploads/2023/03/roundel-wwd-global-conference.jpg)
Annual Global Conference
A 24-hour virtual event that will leave you feeling inspired and empowered to combat light pollution in your community.
![Logo of International Dark Sky Week](https://darksky.org/app/uploads/2023/03/roundel-wwd-dark-sky-week.jpg)
International Dark Sky Week
An annual week-long global event raising awareness about the negative impacts of light pollution and the solutions that exist.